THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday joined hands with the Interior Department and the National Capital Region Police Office in ridding Mabuhay Lanes of traffic obstructions.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said the move will keep the Mabuhay lanes free from traffic obstructions.
“We shall have no let-up in clearing the Mabuhay lanes of different kinds of obstructions. That is proof that the government is serious in making our key routes accessible,” Artes said during the ceremonial send-off of the combined clearing teams in Baclaran, Pasay City.
He said the regular operations and eventual turnover of the cleared area to barangay captains is part of the agency’s agreement with the DILG to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of alternate routes.
“Every time the MMDA, DILG and the police force conduct clearing (ops), it will be turned over to the barangay captain in charge of the area. Those who will fail to maintain its cleanliness and orderliness could be charged with an administrative offense,” he added.
There are 17 Mabuhay Lane routes coming from EDSA, North Luzon Expressway, Quezon City and Manila.
Earlier, MMDA spokesperson Melissa Carunungan said agency personnel have been conducting daily clearing operations along Mabuhay Lanes, targeting obstructions such as illegally parked vehicles.
The penalty for unattended illegally parked vehicles is P1,000 while owners of unattended illegally parked vehicles will be fined P2000.
DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Feliciano Valmocina said his office has set up a monitoring team that will coordinate with the DILG-NCR to ensure the success of the program.
“We will be employing new approaches to ensure commitment and prioritization of obstruction-free Mabuhay lanes. It is high time for our LGUs, especially our barangay heads, to act and sustain our clearing efforts,” Valmocina said.
Artes said they will build a permanent area for vendors at Baclaran where they can sell their wares without occupying roads and sidewalks in the area.
Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano said the city government supports the plan as well as the clearing of the Mabuhay Lane in the city.
‘We are one with the government agencies in making the landscape of our community better as this is one of the grand visions of Pasay to become a sustainable and smart eco-society,” she said.
